2015 BMW 320i Sedan

Pros: Outstanding agility and ride/handling balance; availability of wagon body style and diesel engine option; broad selection of powertrain choices

Cons: Steep pricing; somewhat stingy on standard features; Intrusive automatic start/stop system

CG Says: After gaining a wagon body style and losing its coupe and convertible versions (which were renamed 4-Series) for 2014, the 2015 BMW 3-Series lineup sees only minor trim changes and a few small alterations in option-package features. The available hands-free trunk opening feature now includes a hands-free trunk closing function, and M Sport brakes are no longer available on 328 models. BMW’s premium-compact mainstay continues to excel for its dynamic excellence, solid build quality, and surprising fuel efficiency. The 4-cylinder engine is robust, but not as smooth as we would expect, and on all models, the automatic transmission seems to hold back the engines from delivering on their full performance potential. Base prices are in line with the class, but BMW continues its practice of charging rather exorbitant sums for items that are either standard or much less costly on rival premium-compact cars. The turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel 328d is a welcome option. The gas/electric hybrid (which pairs an electric motor with the 335i’s turbo 6-cylinder for 335 horsepower total) is also noteworthy, but its projected fuel economy (25 city/33 highway) is not much better than its conventional siblings–and it commands a significant price premium over them.

The Facts
Class Premium Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer BMW
Nation of Manufacture Germany
Base Prices 320i: $33,520
AWD 320i xDrive: $35,700
328i: $38,350
AWD 328i xDrive: $40,350
335i: $44,450
AWD 335i xDrive: $46,450
ActiveHybrid 3: $50,850
328d: $39,850
AWD 328d xDrive: $41,850
328i xDrive Sports Wagon: $42,700
328d xDrive Sports Wagon: $44,200

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
180 (320i), 240 (328i)
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
6-speed manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
22-24
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
33-36

Optional Engine
turbo-diesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
180
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
31-32
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
43-45

Optional Engine
turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder
Horsepower
300
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
6-speed manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
20-22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30-32

2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Wagon
2015 BMW 328i Wagon
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